If you have ever dreamed of waking up to the heavenly scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen, this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon sugar filling, and a luscious cream cheese icing that melts in your mouth. The best part? Despite their bakery-worthy taste, these cinnamon rolls are surprisingly simple to make from scratch and perfect for sharing with friends and family on a cozy weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistibly fluffy cinnamon rolls, all you need are simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to give you perfect texture, sweetness, and flavor every time.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/2 – 5 cups): This forms the soft, elastic structure of the dough, so using good quality flour is key.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Feeds the yeast and adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Rapid-rise yeast (2 packets): The magical ingredient that makes your dough rise quickly and become light and fluffy.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups): Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together for kneading.
- Unsalted butter, melted (6 tbsp): Adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb to the rolls.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds richness.
- Unsalted butter for filling (1/4 cup, room temp): Creates a luscious base for the cinnamon sugar to stick to.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Imparts moist sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor in the filling.
- Cinnamon (1 tbsp): The star spice that delivers all those warm, cozy notes.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, room temp): Key for an ultra creamy, tangy icing that complements the rolls perfectly.
- Unsalted butter for icing (1/4 cup, room temp): Adds smoothness and richness to the glaze.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the icing for that perfect drizzle or spread.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds depth to the icing’s flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by combining warm water and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring just enough to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle in the rapid-rise yeast and give it a gentle stir. Then, let it sit quietly for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and alive—an exciting sign your dough is on its way!
Step 2: Mix the dough
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to distribute the salt evenly. Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the flour along with the melted butter and the large egg. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms, then prepare for the kneading magic.
Step 3: Knead the dough to perfection
Sprinkle some flour onto your countertop and knead the dough for around 8 to 10 minutes. This is when the dough transforms—gaining strength, elasticity, and a velvety texture. Once smooth and slightly tacky, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Patience here reaps wonderful rewards!
Step 4: Prepare the cinnamon filling
While the dough rises, mix the packed light brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl. This fragrant mixture will become the sweet, spiced heart of each roll and deliver that mouthwatering aroma when baked.
Step 5: Shape the rolls
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle roughly ¼ inch thick. Spread the room temperature butter over the entire surface of the dough, allowing the cinnamon sugar filling to stick perfectly when you sprinkle it evenly on top.
Step 6: Roll and slice
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log to trap all that cinnamon goodness inside. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice it into equal pieces about 1 inch thick—each piece promising a swirl of cinnamon sugar in every bite.
Step 7: Final rise and bake
Place the rolls cut side up on a greased baking sheet with some space between each. Cover them and let rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). When they’re puffed and ready, bake for roughly 25 minutes until golden brown and invitingly soft.
Step 8: Make the cream cheese icing
While the rolls bake, whisk together the room temperature cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the icing is smooth and fluffy. Drizzle or spread it over the warm rolls right after they come out of the oven to create that signature gooey finish.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Try adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or a light dusting of additional cinnamon on top of the cream cheese icing for extra texture and flavor. A few fresh berries on the side can brighten the plate and provide a delightful contrast to the sweet rolls.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with simple sides like fresh fruit salad or a cooling yogurt parfait—perfect to balance the richness and add freshness. A steaming cup of coffee or chai tea also makes an excellent accompaniment, turning your treat into a full breakfast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the cinnamon rolls in a cute skillet or a decorative baking dish right at the table. You can also separate the rolls slightly on the tray and drizzle icing in a zigzag pattern for visual appeal. Individual servings wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine make charming take-home gifts or picnic treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon rolls should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and soft. If you want to store them longer, refrigeration is an option but be aware it can slightly dry out the rolls unless wrapped tightly.
Freezing
To enjoy these rolls later without losing that homemade fresh-baked quality, freeze them unbaked after shaping or baked but cooled completely. Wrap individual rolls or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw frozen rolls at room temperature if frozen baked, then gently warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until soft and heated through. Microwaving for short bursts also works well if you’re in a hurry, just be careful to avoid drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe without yeast?
While yeast gives these cinnamon rolls their signature fluffy texture, you could attempt a quick bread version without it. However, the dough won’t rise and become as light, resulting in a denser roll. For best results, sticking to yeast is recommended.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the icing?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. It won’t have the same tangy richness but will still complement the cinnamon rolls deliciously.
Can I prepare the dough the day before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it do its first rise, then refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, roll out, fill, and bake. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy mornings.
How can I make the rolls extra fluffy?
Making sure the water is the right temperature (warm, not hot) and giving the dough enough time to rise are key for fluffy rolls. Also, avoid over-flouring when kneading; slightly sticky dough bakes up softer and airier.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or raisins inside the filling before rolling the dough adds delightful texture and variety. Just sprinkle them evenly over the cinnamon sugar mixture before rolling.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in food form. From the tender dough blanketing sweet cinnamon sugar swirls to the addictive cream cheese glaze, every bite is a joy to savor. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cinnamon rolls promise to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead and try making them—once you do, you might never want store-bought ones again!
Print
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend and topped with a creamy cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat, this recipe yields 12 delicious rolls ready in about 45 minutes of hands-on time plus rising and baking.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 1/2 – 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packets rapid-rise yeast (about 4 1/2 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Stir in the rapid-rise yeast and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted unsalted butter, and the egg to the flour mixture, stirring to begin forming the dough.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Roll Out Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the room temperature butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into equal pieces, each about 1 inch thick, to form the individual rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking sheet. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Icing & Serve: While baking, beat together the cream cheese, room temperature butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the rolls come out warm from the oven, drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing over them. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better dough texture.
- If you prefer, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling before rolling.
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- For softer rolls, cover with a clean kitchen towel during rising to maintain humidity.
- Roll thickness can be adjusted to make more or fewer rolls as needed.
